Satellite-based cellular telecommunications system utilizing a multiple registration location register

A satellite based telecommunications system having a multiple registration location register which enables a terminal to register with more than one earth station simultaneously, without any particular one of the earth stations knowing that the terminal is registered elsewhere. The multiple registration location register receives the registration information from each of the earth stations and records the information. This information is used by the multiple registration location register to re-route calls to an earth station that is providing coverage for the terminal. The multiple registration location register may consider many system factors, including satellite to earth station connectivity and satellite to terminal connectivity, in determining to which earth station it should route calls.